Peter Gelb of the Met in Tokyo

Following Japan's  recent enormous loss of life and devastation from the earthquake and tsunami, The Metropolitan Opera had to decide whether in the wake of this catastrophe it was an appropriate time to go ahead with its Japanese tour. The decision was finally made to go ahead but several leading members of the company - among the most prominent were Anna Netrebko and Jonas Kaufmann - made their own decisions not to go. Music Director James Levine had already cancelled due to his ongoing health issues. Here is General Manager Peter Gelb speaking from Tokyo a few weeks ago and offering words of reassurance.

- Paul E. Robinson